"Well, I wouldn't," replied Alfred. "I could tell by the way the sub-lieutenant acted that he would play a trick if he could."
"That is just why I want you to assist me in check-mating," said the captain.
"Tell us just what to do, and you may depend on us," replied Ralph.
"As you know many of the dark places below I want you to go down with me and find several where you can secrete yourselves. I will then send the sub-lieutenant down, and order him to remove the fuses. I want you to be particular to observe every step he takes, and, as far as possible, note what he does at each place; do you understand?" said the captain.
"Perfectly," replied Ralph.
Together they descended. All were well aware that the lieutenant, the doctor, and the three wounded men were still in the dining galley, the door of which had been closed and locked by orders of the captain, after the last of the submarine crew reached the upper deck.
"I know one good place where a fellow can hide and still see what is going on," said Alfred.
"Where is that?" asked the captain.
"At that tank by the side of the dining galley," replied Alfred.
"That would be a good vantage point," answered the captain. "It is the aft trimming tank, and if you can find a place of concealment it would, at the same time, enable you to overhear any conversation that might possibly take place, when the sub-lieutenant is performing his unwelcome duty."